Position Type | Administrative Staff |
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Classification Title | Administrative Staff |
Position Title | Vice President for Student Life |
Position Number | A00076 |
Pay Grade Level | AD 01 |
Salary | Commensurate with experience and qualifications |
Department | Office of Student Life |
Posting Number | S 121301307 |
Full or Part Time | Full Time |
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Basic Function | Reporting directly to President Adam Weinberg, the Vice President for Student Life (Vice President) is a strategic thought leader, dynamic collaborator, and engaged member of the president's senior staff. Denison's leadership team works across divisions to support the student experience. The Vice President works collaboratively with colleagues and leads a team of 70-plus student life professionals, aiming to create a well-rounded campus experience that supports the holistic development of Denison students. Essential to this work is the ability to lead the division, forge constructive partnerships with faculty and staff across the college, and champion the interests of the student population. The Vice President supports the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee and is an integral part of Denison's governance system, serving as a key member of the Campus Affairs Council and University Council. The Vice President is central to campus life and is provided with a house in the Village of Granville, which is just a short walk to campus and near local amenities such as coffee shops and restaurants. The annual budget for Student Life totals approximately $10 million, including endowed support funds. This financial oversight sustains the division's diverse initiatives and ensures the continued enhancement of student life at Denison. The new Vice President will lead a well-funded, talented, and highly motivated team that has created much momentum and forward direction in recent years. Denison fosters a campus community that recognizes the value of all persons. Denison's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is further outlined in Denison Forward, including an action plan focused on its people, practices, and possibilities. |
Essential Job Functions | As a visionary leader with an expert understanding of student affairs and engagement, the next Vice President and their high-functioning team will collaborate closely with the Denison community to focus on the following key responsibilities: EXECUTION OF THE STUDENT LIFE STRATEGIC PLAN The current plan is focused on transforming the student experience and outlines five goals: Goal 1: Illuminate pathways for students to navigate life on The Hill & beyond. Goal 2: Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, advancing the college's commitment to DEI. Goal 3: Empower students to develop the habits and skills to manage their well-being. Goal 4: Build connections and community. Goal 5: Creating a divisional professional culture of innovation and excellence. Strategies for execution will include: * Using a data-driven approach to guide the development of forward-thinking strategies tailored to meet the evolving needs of students. The Vice President will leverage community insights to identify initiatives that anticipate student needs and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of higher education. * Recognizing national best practices and championing innovative programs to welcome and create community for first-year students. * Advocating, creating, and amplifying activities that foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, is an integral part of the Denison community. * Leveraging and enhancing resources to ensure that the wellbeing of students is not just supported but prioritized, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to student health and well-being. LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY The Vice President will be dedicated to setting the strategic direction for the Division of Student Life with care and professionalism, characterized by collaboration, communication, and active campus engagement. This will be accomplished through: * Mentoring and supporting the Student Life team while advancing a contemporary model for the division that draws from national best practices. * Recruiting, retaining, developing, and inspiring a talented team dedicated to the mission of the division and the college. * Advocating for change in policies and procedures, as appropriate, while strengthening collegial relationships with faculty. * Serving as a trusted advisor to the president and Senior Staff related to all Student Life issues, opportunities, and successes. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAMS A significant focus for the next Vice President will be to understand and enhance the residential and social life of students. The Vice President will lead efforts to continuously enhance the quality of life for students on campus, striking the right balance of programming and support for social activities through: * Enhancing opportunities for students to engage in enjoyable and vibrant social experiences that cultivate friendship, ensure safety, and encourage responsibility. * Actively encouraging and supporting student-driven initiatives and activities within the community that foster a sense of ownership and engagement in Granville COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING The Vice President is a highly collaborative and visible campus leader. It is important that strong partnerships are forged to foster a culture of cooperation, transparency, and respect among faculty, staff, and students with a focus on: * Actively partnering with senior leadership and faculty to integrate student life across academics, athletics, and other areas on campus. * Building strong communication pathways and trust to ensure understanding of the college's needs and concerns while promoting best practices in student support. * Fostering open dialogue with faculty to enrich the holistic student experience. * Developing partnerships and relationships both internally and externally to advance strategic initiatives. |
Minimum Qualifications | An advanced degree in higher education administration or related field from an accredited institution with preference for candidates holding a terminal degree. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a higher education setting with experience in student life and related areas. An understanding of and appreciation for a selective liberal arts residential environment. A demonstrated commitment to fostering DEI principles and promoting student engagement. Direct experience, supported by Denison's general counsel, in managing campus crises, as well as familiarity with student conduct policies, Title IX regulations, FERPA, and additional regulatory requirements. |
Preferred Qualifications |
INSPIRATIONAL & APPROACHABLE LEADER * Consistently demonstrate sound judgment and integrity. * Engage and inspire others to embrace a holistic student experience. * Apply visionary and strategic thinking to advance student life, learning, and development. * Maintain a warm and accessible presence fostering strong connections with students, team members, faculty, and staff. * Serve as a mentor and guide to students. * Lead with a charismatic blend of energy, fun, and good humor. COMMUNICATIVE & ENGAGED COLLABORATOR * Forge strong alliances with campus constituencies, aligning objectives across divisions. * Promote open, honest dialogue within a cooperative framework. ADAPTABLE & AGILE FACILITATOR * Be an active listener who can identify challenges and possible solutions. * Manage crises with diplomacy, composure, and sound judgment. * Build consensus with diverse stakeholder audiences. STUDENT-CENTRIC CHAMPION * Dedicate unwavering commitment to student well-being. * Develop and execute strategies to support student retention. * Embody a profound sense of authenticity, approachability, and investment in student success. COMPETENT & CONTEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR * Partner with academic and administrative staff to implement innovative initiatives. * Implement large-scale initiatives supported by data-driven assessments. * Steward financial resources astutely while being mindful of overall institutional objectives. |
Physical Demands | Office environment which may include: sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. |
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Open Until Filled | Yes |
Special Instructions to Applicants | Applications must be submitted via the instructions below: BeecherHill is retained by and pleased to partner with Denison University, and the appointed search committee, in their search for the next Vice President for Student Life. We welcome applications, recommendations of outstanding prospects, and confidential inquiries, with preferred contact details, to be directed to our firm at: DenisonVPSL@beecherhillsearch.com Applications should include a cover letter with expression of interest and current resume/curriculum vitae (CV). The review of candidate applications will be ongoing until the position is successfully filled; however, we strongly encourage the submission of application materials by April 5, 2024, to ensure timely consideration. Finalist campus visits will take place in May, with an anticipated start date to commence in summer 2024. More information and updates . |
Additional Information | |
Denison University Background Check Statement | The final candidate will undergo a background check as a conditional offer of employment. |
Denison University EEO Statement | EEO Statement Denison University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to attract and hire candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities. Denison fosters a campus community that recognizes the value of all persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. For additional information and resources about diversity at Denison, please see our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and antiracism (IDEA) at . ADA Statement If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (740)587-6299 or by email at . |